The America Play is a play written by Suzan-Lori Parks that was first performed in 1994. The play tells the story of a man named Brazil, who is a garbage collector and a performer who portrays the historical figure of "The Foundling Father," who is believed to be the first president of the United States. Brazil's performance is a commentary on the role of history and its interpretation, as well as the relationship between race and power in America.
Throughout the play, Brazil grapples with his own identity and the weight of history that he carries as a performer. He is constantly questioning the veracity of the stories he tells, and the role that he plays in shaping the way that history is remembered and understood. As a black man who is portraying a white historical figure, Brazil is also exploring the complex relationship between race and power in America.
In addition to Brazil, the play also features his wife, Lucy, who is a former lover of The Foundling Father, and their daughter, Sadie, who is a young aspiring actress. Through their interactions and conversations, the play delves into themes of family, love, and the search for one's own identity.
One of the most striking aspects of The America Play is its use of language and symbolism. Parks employs a unique style of dialogue that mixes elements of African American Vernacular English with historical and literary references. This creates a sense of disjunction and disconnection, highlighting the way that language can be used to obscure and manipulate meaning.
Furthermore, the play uses the metaphor of the hole to explore the theme of identity. Brazil is obsessed with digging a hole that he believes will lead him to the "great hole of history," where he will be able to find the truth about the past and his own place in it. This metaphor is used to symbolize the search for understanding and meaning, and the way that history can shape and influence one's sense of self.
Overall, The America Play is a powerful and thought-provoking work that explores themes of identity, history, and race in a unique and compelling way. Through its complex characters and innovative use of language and symbolism, it invites the audience to consider their own place in the world and the role that history plays in shaping their understanding of it.
